Blue Insurance Travel insurance (Blue Irish Retail Travel)
Underwritten by MAPFRE ASISTENCIA Compañía Internacional De Seguros Y Reaseguros, S.A. (trading as MAWDY) · Ireland
travel insurance from Blue Insurance for the Ireland market, with online purchase and 24/7 assistance.
Verified Aug 31, 2026 · Terms dated 2024-05Sources
Key facts
- Medical transport up to €2,000,000 – €10,000,000
Unique selling points
Premier and Premier Plus tiers provide emergency medical expense cover up to €10,000,000.
Premier Plus applies no excess on any section of cover, removing the standard per-claim deductible found on the Essential, Premier and Backpacker tiers.
Premier Plus includes Travel Disruption cover as standard, a benefit other tiers must purchase separately as a paid add-on.
A dedicated Pet Care Cover benefit reimburses additional kennel or cattery fees if the policyholder's return home is delayed due to hospitalisation.
If unexpected circumstances prevent completion of the trip within the period of insurance, cover is automatically extended for up to 30 days at no extra charge.
Coverage limits
Emergency Medical and Other Expenses
€2M – €10M
Section B Emergency Medical and Other Expenses limit varies by tier: Essential €2,000,000; Premier €10,000,000; Premier Plus €10,000,000; Backpacker €3,000,000. Covers emergency medical, surgical, hospital, ambulance and nursing fees incurred outside Ireland and the UK.
Emergency Medical Treatment
€2M – €10M
Emergency medical and surgical treatment abroad is covered within the Section B limit, which ranges from €2,000,000 (Essential) to €10,000,000 (Premier/Premier Plus), and €3,000,000 (Backpacker).
Hospitalization / Hospital Benefit
€2M – €10M
Inpatient hospital fees are paid within the Section B Emergency Medical and Other Expenses limit (€2,000,000-€10,000,000 depending on tier). In addition, Section C Hospital Benefit pays a separate cash sum per day of hospitalisation abroad: Essential €150 (€15/day); Premier €150 (€20/day); Premier Plus €200 (€25/day); Backpacker €200 (€20/day).
Outpatient Treatment
€2M – €10M
Outpatient medical treatment abroad is covered within the overall Section B limit (€2,000,000-€10,000,000 depending on tier). For simple outpatient treatment the insured pays and claims back afterwards.
Emergency Dental Pain Relief
€200 – €300
Emergency dental treatment for immediate relief of pain (natural teeth only) is covered up to €200 (Essential) or €300 (Premier, Premier Plus, Backpacker), incurred outside Ireland and the UK.
Medical Transport
€2M – €10M
Ambulance transport and additional transport/accommodation expenses if it is medically necessary to stay beyond the scheduled return date are covered within the overall Section B limit, with no separate sub-cap stated.
Medical Evacuation / Repatriation
€2M – €10M
With prior authorisation from the Emergency Assistance Service, additional costs of air transport or other suitable means (including qualified attendants) to repatriate the insured are covered within the overall Section B limit.
Funeral Expenses Abroad / Repatriation of Remains
€4K
In the event of death outside Ireland and the UK, reasonable additional funeral expenses abroad up to €4,000 are covered, plus the reasonable cost of conveying ashes home, or the additional cost of returning remains home; this figure is the same across all tiers.
Search and Rescue
No limit stated
No section of the policy handbook or IPID references search and rescue costs, and no general exclusion specifically names them either; availability is unclear from the verified sources.
COVID-19 Medical Treatment
€2M – €10M
COVID-19 diagnosis abroad is covered under the standard Section B Emergency Medical and Other Expenses limit; General Exclusion 20 excludes COVID claims under all other sections apart from Section B and cancellation/curtailment sub-sections 2 and 3. Section B.5 additionally provides up to €2,000 (per Trip, not per person) toward extended transport/accommodation costs following a positive COVID diagnosis abroad.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
€2M – €10M
Cover for a declared medical condition is subject to the standard Section B limit but only applies if the condition has been declared to the Medical Screening Line (0818 286 537) and MAWDY has agreed in writing to cover it, potentially with an additional premium. One condition from the waived list requires no screening. Private health insurance holders with at least €55,000 of inpatient cover abroad, declared to the issuing agent, do not need to contact the screening line.
Winter Sports Cover
€250 – €750
Winter Sports cover (Ski Equipment, Hire of Ski Equipment, Ski Pack, Piste Closure, Avalanche Closure) is available upon payment of an additional premium across all tiers, with sub-limits ranging from €250 up to €750 depending on the specific benefit and tier. Not covered under Sections B, C, D, G and R for winter sports activities unless the additional premium is paid. Only available to those aged 65 or under.
Sports and Activities (Grades 1-4)
Optional
Grade 1 activities are covered automatically at no additional charge on an incidental basis. Grades 2-4 activities require an additional premium (a 50%/100%/200% loading to cover all activities, or €30/€75/€100 per activity respectively) and carry an increased medical excess (€320 for Grade 2; €650 for Grades 3-4), a 50% reduction in the Personal Accident sum insured, and exclusion of Personal Liability cover.
Complications of Pregnancy and Childbirth
€2M – €10M
Cover applies only to defined 'Complications of Pregnancy and Childbirth' (e.g. toxaemia, ectopic pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, miscarriage, emergency Caesarean section) under the Section A cancellation/curtailment and Section B medical expenses limits. For cancellation, cover applies if the insured becomes pregnant after buying the policy and will be more than 32 weeks pregnant (24 weeks if expecting more than one baby) at the start of or during the trip, or is medically advised not to travel due to such complications.
Personal Liability
€1M – €2.5M
Section G Personal Liability limit varies by tier: Essential €1,000,000; Premier €2,000,000; Premier Plus €2,500,000 (source table shows '€2,500,00', interpreted as €2,500,000 consistent with the tier progression); Backpacker €2,000,000.
Overseas Legal Expenses and Assistance
€5K – €15K
Section O Overseas Legal Expenses and Assistance limit varies by tier: Essential €5,000; Premier €10,000; Premier Plus €15,000; Backpacker €10,000. Where two or more insured persons are covered, the maximum payable for all such claims is double the amount shown. No claim is covered if the estimated compensation is less than €1,000, and claims within Ireland or the UK are excluded.
Personal Travel Assistance
Covered
Section R Personal Travel Assistance is included as standard across all tiers and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year via the Emergency Assistance Service (+353 91 560616), covering transfer of emergency funds, message relay, drug replacement, tracing personal property, replacement travel documents, lost credit card advice, emergency translation, legal help and medical referral.
Key conditions
Assistance call deadline
You must contact the Emergency Assistance Service (+353 91 560616) before incurring inpatient hospital expenses or expenses over €500, before arrangements are made to extend the trip, before repatriation arrangements, or in the event of curtailment necessitating early return; if immediate emergency treatment is required, contact must be made as soon as possible.
Unauthorized treatment
Private medical treatment is not covered unless specifically authorised by the Emergency Assistance Service; failing to obtain prior authorisation for repatriation or trip extension may result in reduced or declined claims.
Purchase while abroad
This insurance is only available to permanent residents of Ireland who have been resident for the six months prior to the date of issue. Any trip that had already begun before the insurance was purchased will not be covered.
Chronic conditions
Chronic and pre-existing medical conditions must be declared to the Medical Screening Line (0818 286 537); cover for such conditions applies only once MAWDY has agreed in writing, except for a single condition drawn from the specified list of conditions that do not require screening.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy and childbirth are not covered except for defined 'Complications of Pregnancy and Childbirth'. Cancellation/curtailment cover due to pregnancy applies only if the insured will be more than 32 weeks pregnant (24 weeks if expecting more than one baby) at the start of or during the trip, or a doctor advises against travel due to such complications.
Pre-existing condition exclusions
Pre-existing medical conditions must be declared via the Medical Screening Line prior to travel; cover for claims arising from an undeclared or unaccepted pre-existing condition is excluded unless the insurer has agreed in writing (an additional premium may apply). Private health insurance holders with at least €55,000 of inpatient cover abroad, declared to the issuing agent, are exempt from the screening requirement.
Coverage duration limit
The policy handbook states annual multi-trip cover is limited to 45 consecutive days per trip (31 days for ages 66-69, 21 days for ages 70-75), with winter sports limited to 17 days per period of insurance (though the Winter Sports section preamble separately states up to 21 days). The Premier IPID states annual multi-trip cover is limited to 60 days (35 days for ages 66-69, 21 days for ages 70-75). Both figures appear in verified sources and could not be reconciled. Single Trip and Backpacker durations are limited to the period shown on the validation certificate.
Direct payment
If admitted to a hospital or clinic abroad, the Emergency Assistance Service arranges for covered medical expenses to be paid directly to the hospital/clinic, provided someone contacts the Emergency Assistance Service as soon as possible. For simple outpatient treatment, the insured pays the hospital/clinic themselves and claims the cost back afterwards. Private medical treatment is not covered unless specifically authorised by the Emergency Assistance Service, and claims against a private health insurer must be made first for any inpatient medical expenses abroad up to the policy limit.
Territorial scope
Area 1: United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man. Area 2: Continent of Europe west of the Ural Mountains, Madeira, Canary Islands, Iceland, the Azores, Mediterranean islands and non-European countries bordering the Mediterranean (except Algeria, Lebanon, Libya, Albania and Syria). Area 3: Australia/New Zealand. Area 4: Worldwide including the Caribbean but excluding the USA, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii. Area 5: Worldwide including the USA, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii and the Caribbean.
Documents
Travel Insurance Cover Handbook Policy Document (opens in a new tab)
Terms & conditions · PDF
Blue Insurance Premier - Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) (opens in a new tab)
Product information sheet · PDF
Blue Insurance Premier - Insurance Product Information Document (IPID), duplicate distribution (opens in a new tab)
Product information sheet · PDF
Policy specifics
Emergency Medical Expenses limit
Maximum coverage for emergency medical and other expenses incurred abroad, varies by policy tier and destination coverage (European, Worldwide, USA/Canada)
SourceSource no longer reachableCancellation and Curtailment cover
Cover for loss of deposits or travel costs if trip is cancelled or cut short due to insured events; starts as soon as policy is purchased for single trip
SourceSection: Travel Insurance FAQs > Single Trip
Cover for cancellation on a Single Trip policy starts as soon as the policy is purchased.
Personal Accident benefit
Cover for accidental death, injury or disability; automatically provided for Grade 1 activities on incidental basis
SourceSection: Travel Insurance FAQs > Sports and Activities
The policy automatically provides cover for Personal Accident and Emergency Medical Expenses for the activities listed under Grade 1 in your Policy Wording once they are conducted on an incidental basis whilst you are on holiday.
Optional additional covers
Additional coverage available at extra premium: Winter sports, Travel Disruption, Flight Cancellation, Cruise Connection, Wedding/Civil Partnership, Business Cover, Golf Cover, Gadget Cover, Excess Waiver
SourcePage 2Section: Optional Covers
Wintersports up to €500 Travel Disruption up to €1,000 Flight Cancellation up to €750 Cruise Connection up to €750 Wedding / Civil Partnership up to €1,000 Business Cover up to €1,000 Golf Cover up to €1,000 Gadget Cover up to €750 Excess Waiver
Baggage and Personal Belongings cover
Cover for loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal items while travelling; includes delayed baggage provisions
SourceSource no longer reachableCOVID-19 Medical and Cancellation Cover
Cover for emergency medical expenses and cancellation costs related to COVID-19 diagnosis abroad; included as standard in policies with restrictions based on Department of Foreign Affairs travel advice
SourceSection: Travel Insurance with Covid-19 Cover > Covid-19 Travel Insurance FAQs
Blueinsurance.ie travel insurance policies provide cover for emergency medical and other expenses incurred abroad if you catch Covid-19 subject to the policy terms, limits, conditions and exclusions.
Irish Residency Requirement
Policy only available to permanent residents of the Republic of Ireland who have been resident for at least 6 months prior to policy issue
SourceSection: Travel Insurance FAQs > General Questions
A resident of the Republic of Ireland is someone who is permanently resident in Ireland and has been for the past six months prior to the issue date of your policy.
Policy Purchase Timing Requirement
Travel Insurance must be purchased prior to departure from Republic of Ireland; exception allows purchase via WiFi while on aircraft/train before first international destination
SourceSection: Travel Insurance FAQs > General Questions
Travel Insurance must be purchased prior to your departure from the Republic of Ireland, unless you purchase the insurance using a Wi-Fi connection whilst travelling on an aircraft or train but before you reach your first international destination.
Medical Conditions Declaration and Screening
Any person with medical condition treated or medicated in past 2 years must declare to medical screening company; pre-existing conditions may require additional premium or may be excluded
SourceSection: Important Conditions Relating To Health > Non-Private Health Insurance Members
At the time of taking out this policy, do you have, or have you had any medical condition(s) for which you are taking or have taken prescribed medication, or are waiting to receive, or have received treatment (including surgery, tests, or investigations) within the last 2 years?
Age Coverage Limits
Different age limits apply by policy type: Annual Multi-Trip max 75 years; Single Trip max 86 years; Backpacker max 49 years
SourceSection: Travel Insurance
Cover for Irish residents up to 49 years of age.
Maximum Trip Duration Limits
Multi-trip policies: 70 days max (age up to 65), 39 days (age 66-69), 25 days (age 70-75); Single trip: 365 days (age up to 69), 35 days (age 70-75), 21 days (76-79), 15 days (80-86)
SourceSection: Travel Insurance
Maximum duration 70 days any one trip if you are aged up to 65 years. Maximum duration 39 days any one trip if you are aged 66-69 years. Maximum duration 25 days any one trip if you are aged 70-75 years (Must hold valid Private Health Insurance).
Geographical Coverage Areas
Coverage options: European (standard), Worldwide excluding USA/Canada, Worldwide including USA/Canada; travelers may spend up to 20% or 31 days (whichever less) in other areas
SourceSection: Travel Insurance FAQs > Backpacker
You are entitled to spend up to 20% or 31 days, whichever is less, of the insured duration of a trip in another area. This does not include the USA and Canada. To be covered for travel to/in the USA and Canada you must have 'Worldwide including USA/Canada' cover.
Emergency Assistance Pre-approval Requirement
For medical claims abroad or trip curtailment, policyholder must contact Emergency Assistance Company before incurring inpatient expenses; failure to do so may result in claim denial
SourcePage 2Section: What are my obligations?
In the event of Your bodily injury or illness which may lead to in-patient hospital treatment or incur expenses over €500 or before any arrangements are made to extend Your Trip or any arrangements are made for repatriation or in the event of curtailment necessitating Your early return to Your home area You must contact the Emergency Assistance Service on +353 91 560 616
Claims Notification Deadline
Written notice of claim must be given to MAPFRE Assistencia Travel Claims as soon as possible but within 31 days of incident
Source14-Day Cooling-Off Period
Buyers have 14 days from receipt of policy documents to cancel and receive full refund, provided no travel has occurred, no claims made, and policy not used for visa application
SourceSection: Travel Insurance FAQs > General Questions
Once you have purchased your travel insurance, subject to the condition detailed in the note below, you are entitled to a 14 day cooling-off period. If you contact us within this cooling-off period, you are entitled to a full refund of your travel insurance policy, provided you have not travelled, made any claims on the policy or used the policy to obtain a Visa.
Sources
- joewalshtours.iehttps://joewalshtours.ie/app/uploads/2024/12/Blue-Insurance-Premier-IPID.pdf#page=2(opens in a new tab)
- blueinsurance.iehttps://www.blueinsurance.ie/faq_travel.asp(opens in a new tab)
- blueinsurance.iehttps://www.blueinsurance.ie/make-a-claim.asp?product=travel=travel(opens in a new tab)
- blueinsurance.iehttps://www.blueinsurance.ie/travel-insurance-covid-19.asp(opens in a new tab)
- blueinsurance.iehttps://www.blueinsurance.ie/travel-insurance-medical-screening.asp(opens in a new tab)
- blueinsurance.iehttps://www.blueinsurance.ie/travel-insurance.asp(opens in a new tab)